Location-Based Technology for Mobile Apps

Mobile Technology and the Internet are the most powerful innovations that help us to stay connected from anywhere surpassing the geographical limitations.

There are many niches of mobile apps which is influenced by location-based information such as content delivery and personalisation. A personalised and contextually relevant experience is more compelling to users, and increasingly, location is a factor that enhances personalisation and makes the user experience more relevant.

According to Mobile App Market trends and analysis, 2017 will perceive the emergence of Location Based Service, besides the present GPS. This will prove to be a boon for the users as it will provide real-time information.

Geo-location can be used for a number of mobile applications. In fact, it has been rightly identified as the backbone for several businesses, without which it will be nearly impossible for the owners to operate it. One of the optimal illustrations that one can put forward, in this case, is cab based apps such as Uber or Ola.

Location-based Approaches for Mobile Applications

Beacons

GPS

WiFi

1. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) & Beacons

A BLE beacon is a small device – usually powered by battery or USB – that emits a Bluetooth Low Energy signal. A modern smartphone in the vicinity can pick up the signal being emitted by the beacon and gain some insight into its own positioning based on knowledge of the beacon’s placement. Beacon App development is a widely used approach for location-based marketing and content delivery in Mobile Application.

Advantages of BLE

Low Power Consumption.

It creates adhoc connection immediately without any wires.

It is used for voice and data transfer.

Bluetooth devices are available at very cheap cost.

It has less interference compared to other wireless technologies due to use of FHSS technique.

Disadvantages of BLE

The bandwidth is lower compared to WiFi.

One of the big disadvantages of Bluetooth is security.

Battery usage is more comparable to the condition when Bluetooth is powered OFF.

Use Cases of BLE

Retain and Proximity marketing

Event Industry

Payments

Travel Industry

2. GPS Geofencing

The global positioning system is a satellite-based navigation system consisting of a network of 24 orbiting satellites that are eleven thousand nautical miles in space and in six different orbital paths. Geofencing makes use of GPS technology to pinpoint a user’s location in proximity to a given area. Using the coordinates from a user’s device, messages and actions can be pushed to users devices when they enter a predetermined area.

Advantages of Geofencing GPS

Accurate location-based reporting

Widely spread and easily accessible

Required user confirmation

Disadvantages of Geofencing GPS

GPS requires a lot of power and therefore drains mobile device batteries quickly

Lacks accuracy indoors as it is susceptible to obstruction

Less accurate for “micro-location” proximity based activities

Use Cases of Geofencing GPS

Drive foot traffic and sales in Retail

Increase sales at restaurants and bars

Sell more food, drinks, and merchandise through proximity offers

3. WiFi

Wi-Fi is a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) technology that helps to link the electronic devices together using the ISM radio band. Based on the capability of the network, WiFi provides connectivity to its users. Including small and big industries, it becomes widely used by businesses to offer better services to customers. It does not require any app to use. All types of devices can utilize WiFi networking and becomes widely accessible. It requires authentication prior to connect to the network as well as become not a good option for context-aware messaging. Mainly, it is useful for the indoor environment as well as to share or utilize data on the different devices.

Advantages of WiFi

Widely accessible as numerous mobile devices can connect to the network.

The stores had a strong Wi-Fi network has the technology to use it for engaging and pleasing customers.

It does not need an app to operate.

Disadvantages of WiFi

There are major concerns associated with customer privacy and data relevancy since the customers are not directly asked for permission.

Use Cases of WiFi

Location-based advertising over WiFi

indoor environments

A rapid advancement in the location-based technology for Mobile Apps Development is increasingly helping the businesses in inflating their profits and rendering efficient, satisfactory and cost-effective services to their potential stream of customers.

Connect with us to discuss how we can leverage your business with Mobile Apps & Location Based Services, Send us your query on sales@ripenapps.com or contact us on Skype @ripenapps.

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About Ishan Gupta

With a strong belief that inclusion of mobile technology and digitalisation of processes for any individual or a business will help them to ease their life so that they can be more focused on their Core Business functions, with this intent and an experience of 6+ years our service ranges from consultancy to build next-generation mobile applications for Entrepreneurs/Startups to Enterprise Businesses. Our goal is to provide optimum quality services to our clients at the best reasonable price in the market.